“Oh yeah?”
Catching her face in his large hands, he lowered his head and took her mouth in a slow, deep kiss that made her toes curl and her pulse race.
Right or wrong, the idea of a one-night stand frittered away into the balmy air. Sliding his fingers through her hair, he held her head firmly until his lips broke away. “Yeah, you have my attention, beautiful.”
Just for the weekend?
His strong arms came around her, holding her close to him. It was a feeling of safety mixed with desire and she knew her heart was playing a different a game to his.
“Do you like horses, too?” He kissed the crown of her head.
“I love them.”
“Let’s take a walk through the fields. They’re out at the pasture. The ones in this yard belong to my brother, Jamie. They’re mostly retired race horses. I used to ride but haven’t been in the saddle for a long time now. Maybe tomorrow we could go for a horse back ride through the fields?”
“I’ve never ridden before. I’d love to have a go, as long as you promise I won’t fall off?” She nudged into him with her shoulder.
His arm slid down and snaked around her waist. “I’ll protect you, beautiful. You have my word.”
They spent the afternoon walking through vast green fields, chatting openly about themselves. The conversation was easy and relaxed between them.
Marcus had let his guard down, he was more than just a ruthless, controlling business man with women and money on tap.
“Why did you join the club?
Lana took a slow, quiet breath and kept her eyes to the overgrown bramble hedges. “He wanted to.”
“And you didn’t?”
“I wanted to make our relationship work. I felt like I wasn’t enough for him.”
“He’s an asshole, Lana. You’re more than enough for any man. Maybe a little too much.”
Her head whipped around, her eyes searching his. “Too much?”
Marcus didn’t reply. His arm tightened and he twisted her around, lowering his forehead to hers. “I’m getting hungry.”
“Me too,” she whispered.
She wondered if he was actually thinking about food because his eyes swam with emotions, giving her heart a reason to buck.
Marcus brought his hot lips down, covering her mouth with his, gifting her with a tender kiss that left her feeling warm and dazed.
When he pulled back, she took a minute to gather her thoughts, to pull them down from the absurd heights of hope.
Clearing her throat, she internally warned herself to lock protective armour around her heart, reminding her silly mind that Marcus was charming and suave with every woman he met.
It was too late, Lana was falling for him. Hard and fast.
Deep and unprotected.